System and method for conducting hemodialysis and hemofiltration

ABSTRACT

An extracorporeal blood processing system comprises a plastic molded compact manifold that supports a plurality of molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with a plurality of relevant sensors, valves and pumps. A disposable dialyzer is connected to the molded manifold to complete the blood circuit of the system. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. Two-way valves in the manifold are used to direct the dialysate flow to the dialyzer in hemodialysis mode of operation and to bypass the dialyzer to direct the flow of infusion grade dialysate directly to the patient in hemofiltration mode of operation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention relies on, for priority, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/990,959, entitled “System and Method of Changing Fluidic Circuit Between Hemodialysis Protocol and Hemofiltration Protocol”, filed on Nov. 29, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/021,962, of the same title, filed on Jan. 18, 2008. Still further, the present invention incorporates by reference co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/237,914, entitled “Manifolds for Use In Conducting Dialysis” and filed on Sep. 25, 2008 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/245,397, entitled “Wearable Dialysis Systems and Methods”, filed on Oct. 3, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of dialysis, and more specifically to manifolds for use in a portable dialysis system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hemodialysis is used for removing toxic wastes from the human body in cases of renal failure, and involves using an artificial kidney in conjunction with an associated machine. The patient's blood is temporarily brought outside of the body with the help of tubes and passed through at least one semipermeable membrane, which may be a group of hollow fibers, in an artificial kidney, also called a dialyzer. The semi permeable membrane separates the blood from dialysate solution. The impurities from the blood pass through the membrane and into the dialysate solutions primarily by osmotic pressures. The cleansed blood is then returned to the body. During this procedure it is also necessary to remove excess fluids from the body. This is accomplished by a process known as ultrafiltration. In this process, fluid is removed from the patient by taking the fluid off through the dialyzer via convection and discarding it. The amount of ultrafiltrate which is removed from the body is normally controlled by the pressure across the semipermeable membrane. This transmembrane pressure is the result of the differential between the blood pressure and the pressure which exists on the dialysate side of the membrane.

In an alternate procedure to hemodialysis, known as hemofiltration, convection is used to withdraw massive amounts of fluid from the body, via the dialyzer and most of that volume is replaced by ultrapure, infusate grade, fluid pumped directly into the blood stream. In this process the ultrafiltrate removal volume is the difference between the amount of fluid removed and the amount of ultrapure infusate injected. Hemofiltration is better at removing large molecular toxins than hemodialysis but is not required in most cases.

The standard dialysis treatment, using an installed apparatus in hospitals, comprises two phases, namely, (a) true dialysis, in which toxic substances and scoriae (normally small molecules) pass through the semipermeable membrane from the blood to the dialysis liquid, and (b) ultrafiltration, in which a pressure difference between the blood circuit and the circuit for the dialysis liquid, more precisely a reduced pressure in the latter circuit, causes the blood content of water to be reduced by a predetermined amount.

Dialysis procedures using standard equipment tend to be cumbersome as well as costly, besides requiring the patient to be bound to a dialysis center for long durations. Conventional systems are also less reliable because of the necessity of using a myriad of tubes comprising the fluid circuits of the purification systems, thus increasing the risks of leakage and breakage. Accordingly there is need in the art for an extracorporeal blood processing system that can be operated in hemodialysis as well as hemofiltration modes, while at the same time offering reasonable portability to the patient. Such a portable dialysis system should also be conducive to using disposable components. Further, there is also a need for novel manifolds for dialysis systems with integrated blood purification system components, such as sensors, pumps and disposables, as well as molded blood and dialysate flow paths to avoid a complicated mesh of tubing and to enhance the robustness of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first object of the present invention an extracorporeal blood processing system comprises a plastic molded compact manifold that supports a plurality of molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with a plurality of relevant sensors, valves and pumps. A disposable dialyzer is connected to the molded manifold to complete the blood circuit of the system. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be installed by simply inserting into a recess provided in the dialysis unit.

It is an object of the present invention to use the aforementioned extracorporeal blood processing system either in hemodialysis or hemofiltration protocol.

Accordingly in one embodiment, hemodialysis, a dialysate regeneration system, comprising sorbent cartridge(s), is connected to the molded manifold to complete the dialysate circuit of the system. The disposable dialyzer is already connected to complete the blood circuit. Spent dialysate is directed to flow through the sorbent cartridge(s) thereby allowing the system to operate as a multiple-pass closed loop portable artificial kidney in hemodialysis protocol. In this embodiment toxic and uremic wastes from the blood are predominantly removed into the dialysate by virtue of diffusion resulting from osmotic pressure differential at the semi-permeable membrane of the dialyzer.

In an alternate embodiment a reservoir(s) containing fresh ultra pure infusion grade dialysate is connected to the blood return circuit of the molded manifold whereas the spent dialysate outlet from the dialyzer is drained directly to waste. The disposable dialyzer is already connected to the complete the blood circuit. Thus the system operates as a single-pass open loop artificial kidney in hemofiltration protocol. In this embodiment toxic and uremic wastes from the blood are predominantly removed into the dialysate solution by virtue of convection resulting from transmembrane pressure differential between the blood and dialysate sides of the dialyzer.

It is another object of the present invention to use two-way valves to direct the dialysate flow either through dialyzer in hemodialysis mode of operation or bypass the dialyzer to direct the dialysate flow directly to the patient in hemofiltration mode of operation. One or more two-way valve(s) is used to determine the mode of operation of the system of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a manifold for a blood purification system, the manifold comprising a plastic substrate comprising a first layer and a second layer, a first flow path defined by a first surface of the first layer and a first surface of the second layer, a second flow path defined by a first surface of the first layer and a first surface of the second layer, a third flow path defined by a first surface of the first layer and a first surface of the second layer, wherein each of the first, second, and third flow paths are isolated from each other, i.e. the fluid flowing in each of the first, second, and third flow paths is not free to flow in between each of the flow paths ever or unless a valve is actuated to permit such flow. Optionally, the manifold comprises at least one valve component fixedly attached to the first layer or second layer for directing fluid flow through at least one of said first, second, or third flow paths; and at least one sensor component fixedly attached to the first layer or second layer for measuring a fluid characteristic in at least one of said first, second, or third flow paths.

Optionally, the manifold is disposable. The manifold further comprises a pump tube segment integrated with at least one of said flow paths. The fluid characteristic is at least one of temperature or pressure. The activation of the valve component directs fluid flow through one of two separate fluid paths. The activation of the valve component is dependent upon a mode of operation of the blood purification system. The mode of operation is selected from the class comprising hemodialysis and hemofiltration. The activation of the valve component directs a dialysate fluid flow to a dialyzer in a hemodialysis mode of operation and directs infusion grade dialysate fluid flow to a patient in hemofiltration mode of operation. The term valve component or sensor component is used to denote the fact that not all of components which make up the valve components or sensor need to be included in the manifold.

In another embodiment, the manifold comprises a first fluid conducting segment, a second fluid conducting segment parallel to said first fluid conducting segment, a connecting fluid conducting segment that is perpendicular to the first and second fluid conducting segments, wherein said first fluid conducting segment, second fluid conducting segment, and connecting fluid conducting segments contain a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path, each of said flow paths being isolated from each other and wherein said connecting fluid conducting segment connects the fluid flow paths in the first fluid conducting segment and with the fluid flow paths in the second fluid conducing segment.

Optionally, each of said first fluid conducting segment, second fluid conducting segment, and connecting fluid conducting segments comprise external edges that define a boundary bounding a space. The space comprises a first port, a pump tube segment, and a second port, through which fluid flows from said first fluid conducting segment to said second fluid conducting segment without flowing through said connecting fluid conducting segment. The manifold further comprises at least one valve component fixedly attached to at least one of said first fluid conducting segment, second fluid conducting segment, or connecting fluid conducting segments for directing fluid flow through at least one of said first, second, or third flow paths.

Optionally, the manifold further comprises at least one sensor component fixedly attached to at least one of said first fluid conducting segment, second fluid conducting segment, or connecting fluid conducting segments for measuring a fluid characteristic in at least one of said first, second, or third flow paths. The fluid characteristic is at least one of temperature or pressure. The activation of the valve component directs fluid flow through one of two separate fluid paths. The activation of the valve component is dependent upon a mode of operation of the blood purification system, such as hemodialysis or hemofiltration.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a dialysis machine comprising a door with a pressure plate positioned on an interior face of the door, a housing with a panel wherein said housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive said interior face of said door, and an alignment mechanism fixedly attached to said panel, wherein said alignment mechanism detachably receives a manifold on said panel and positions said manifold against said pressure plate when the door is placed in said recessed region. Optionally, the alignment mechanism is at least one of contoured guides, pins, or latch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated, as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the fluidic circuit for an extracorporeal blood processing system;

FIG. 2 illustrates the structural elements of the compact manifold, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 a provides a perspective view of the mid body component of the compact manifold;

FIG. 3 b provides a perspective view of the mid body component of the compact manifold with exemplary dimensions;

FIG. 4 is a diagram detailing the fluidic circuit for the compact manifold according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary conductivity cell within the compact manifold;

FIG. 6 a shows an extracorporeal blood processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention, with two two-way valves integrated into the compact manifold that are used to determine the mode of operation (hemodialysis or hemofiltration) of the system;

FIG. 6 b illustrates in further detail, the circuit for hemodialysis/hemofiltration system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 c shows an exploded view of the extracorporeal blood processing system of the present invention, configured to operate in hemodialysis mode;

FIG. 6 d illustrates an embodiment where the extracorporeal blood processing system of the present invention is configured to operate in hemofiltration protocol;

FIG. 6 e shows another embodiment, where the compact manifold comprises only one two-way valve to determine the mode of operation of the system;

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment where the blood and dialysate circuits are fully disposable, preassembled with the dialyzer, and are prepackaged in a kit together with the compact manifold;

FIG. 8 illustrates the installation of the compact manifold in a portable dialysis system; and

FIG. 9 shows another view of a portable dialysis system, with the manifold successfully installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards multiple embodiments. Language used in this specification should not be interpreted as a general disavowal of any one specific embodiment or used to limit the claims beyond the meaning of the terms used therein. Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments of the invention. While the invention will be described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention to one embodiment. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed towards novel manifold supports for blood purification systems, such as, but not limited to hemodialysis and hemofiltration. In one embodiment, the novel manifold of the present invention comprises a composite plastic manifold, into which the blood and dialysate flow paths are molded. Blood purification system components, such as sensors, pumps, and disposables are also integrated into the molded manifold.

FIG. 1 shows the fluidic circuit for an extracorporeal blood processing system 100, used for conducting hemodialysis and hemofiltration. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 is implemented as a portable artificial kidney (PAK), which may be used by a patient for conducting dialysis at home.

Referring to FIG. 1, the hemodialysis system comprises two circuits—a Blood Circuit 101 and a Dialysate Circuit 102. Blood treatment during dialysis involves extracorporeal circulation through an exchanger having a semi permeable membrane—the hemodialyser or dialyzer 103. The patient's blood is circulated in the blood circuit 101 on one side of the membrane (dialyzer) 103 and a dialysis liquid called the dialysate, comprising the main electrolytes of the blood in concentrations prescribed by a physician, is circulated on the other side in the dialysate circuit 102. The circulation of dialysate fluid thus provides for the regulation and adjustment of the electrolytic concentration in blood.

The line 104 from the patient which feeds impure blood to the dialyzer 103 in the blood circuit 101 is provided with an occlusion detector 105 which is generally linked to a visual or audible alarm (not shown) to signal any obstruction to the blood flow. In order to prevent coagulation of blood, means 106, such as a pump, syringe, or any other injection device, for injecting an anticoagulant—such as heparin, into the blood are also provided. A peristaltic pump 107 is also provided to ensure flow of blood in the normal (desired) direction.

A pressure sensor 108 is provided at the inlet where impure blood enters the dialyzer 103. Other pressure sensors 109, 110, 111 and 112 are provided at various positions in the hemodialysis system that help keep track of and maintain fluid pressure at vantage points.

At the point where used dialysate fluid from the dialyzer 103 enters the dialysate circuit 102, a blood leak sensor 113 is provided to sense and warn of any leakage of blood cells into the dialysate circuit. A pair of bypass valves 114 is also provided at the beginning and end points of the dialysate circuit, so that under conditions of start up, or other as deemed necessary by the operator, the dialyzer can be bypassed from the dialysate fluid flow but that flow maintained. Another valve 115 is provided just before a priming/drain port 116. The port 116 is used for initially filling the circuit with a dialysate solution, and to remove used dialysate fluid after and in some instances during dialysis. During dialysis, valve 115 may be used to replace portions of used dialysate with high concentrations of for instance sodium with replenishment fluid of appropriate concentration so that overall component concentration of the dialysate is maintained at a desired level.

The dialysate circuit is provided with two peristaltic pumps 117 and 118. Pump 117 is used for pumping dialysate fluid to the drain or waste container, as well as for pumping regenerated dialysate into the dialyzer 103. Pump 118 is used for pumping out spent dialysate from the dialyzer 103, and pressuring it through the sorbent 119 and also for pumping in the dialysis fluid from port 116 for filling the system or maintaining component concentration in the dialysate.

A sorbent type cartridge 119 is provided in the dialysate circuit, which contains several layers of materials, each having a specific role in removing impurities such as urea and creatinine. The combination of these materials allows water suitable for drinking to be charged into the system for use as dialysate fluid. It also allows closed loop dialysis. That is, the sorbent cartridge enables regeneration of fresh dialysate from the spent dialysate coming from the dialyzer. For the fresh dialysate fluid, a lined container or reservoir 120 of a suitable capacity such as 0.5, 1, 5, 8 or 10 liters is provided.

Depending upon patient requirement based on physician prescription, desired quantities of an infusate solution 121 can be added to the dialysis fluid. Infusate 121 is a solution containing minerals and/or glucose that help replenish minerals like potassium and calcium in the dialysate fluid at levels after undesired removal by the sorbent. A peristaltic pump 122 is provided to pump the desired amount of infusate solution to the container 120. A camera 123 may optionally be provided to monitor the changing liquid level of the infusate solution as a safety check warning of infusate flow failure.

A heater 124 is provided to maintain the temperature of dialysate fluid in the container 120 at the required level. The temperature of the dialysate fluid can be sensed by the temperature sensor 125 located just prior to the fluids entry in to the dialyzer. The container 120 is also equipped with a scale 126 for keeping track of the weight, and therefore volume, of the fluid in the container, and a conductivity sensor 127, which displays the conductivity of the dialysate fluid. The conductivity sensor 127 provides an indication of the level of sodium in the dialysate.

A medical port 129 is provided before blood from the patient enters the system for dialysis. Another medical port 130 is provided before clean blood from the dialyzer is returned to the patient. An air (or bubble) sensor 131 and a pinch clamp 132 are employed in the circuit to detect and prevent any air, gas or gas bubbles from being returned to the patient.

Priming set(s) 133 is/are attached to the hemodialysis system that help prepare the system by filling the blood circuit with sterile saline before it is used for dialysis. Priming set(s) may consist of short segments of tubing with IV bag spikes or IV needles or a combination of both pre-attached.

One of ordinary skill in the art would infer from the above discussion that the fluidic circuit for a hemodialysis that a hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration system is a complex one and incorporates several elements. If implemented in a conventional manner, the system would manifest as a mesh of tubing and would be too complicated for a home dialysis user to configure and use.

Therefore, in order to make the system simple and easy to use at home by a patient, the present invention implements the system as a compact manifold in which most components of the fluidic circuit shown in FIG. 1 are integrated in a single piece of molded plastic or multiple pieces of molded plastic which are configured to connect together to form a single operative manifold structure.

FIG. 2 illustrates the structural elements of the compact manifold, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The disposable manifold pumps and directs fluid flow while measuring pressure in key areas. Those fluids include blood, dialysate, infusate and anticoagulant. In addition, the manifold provides features for detecting blood leakage from the dialyzer, detecting occlusion in the arterial line, and detecting air in venous line.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the compact manifold 200 comprises a plurality of plastic layers with components fixedly attached therein. More specifically, the manifold 200 comprises the following elements:

-   -   Back Cover 201     -   Pressure Transducer Membranes 202     -   Valve Membranes 203     -   Mid Body 204     -   Front Cover 205     -   Pump tube segments (not shown in FIG. 2)

The mid-body layer 204 contains molded in channels on one side. These channels are completed by the front cover layer which is fixedly attached to the mid-body by any number of methods, including ultrasonic welding. This combined front cover-mid-body structure forms the major part of the fluid pathways within the manifold. On the opposite side of the mid-body 204 there are features that form surfaces for valving and pressure sensing, which communicate to the fluid pathways on the front cover side of the manifold. The manifold includes elastomeric components for valving and pressure sensing. These elastomeric components are captured between the back cover layer and mid-body layer through the use of ultrasonic welding and complete the fluid pathways throughout the manifold.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the manifold 200 comprises five pressure transducer membranes 202 and three to four membranes 203 for two-way valves. In one embodiment, the two covers 201 and 205, and mid body 204 of the manifold 200 are molded of a polycarbonate material or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). The pressure transducer membranes 202 and valve membranes 203 are molded of a common material, such as Santoprene, or more preferably Sarlink, which is a medical grade elastomeric polymer. In one embodiment front and back covers 205 and 201 may be molded of optically clear material, at least transparent to certain preselected wavelengths of light, to allow for spectroscopic analysis of the fluid(s) contained within.

Additionally, the manifold preferably includes four pumping components. These pumping components are segments of extruded PVC tubing formulated and dimensioned to have properties optimized for pump use, particularly roller pump use. This tubing is bonded to barbed fittings that are integrally molded to the manifold mid-body. One of the four pumping components is for drawing blood from the patient's artery and pumping it through a dialyzer and back to the patient's vein. Two pumping components are for dialysate flow and one is for infusate delivery to the dialysate fluid circuit. A separate syringe pump can be used for pumping anticoagulant into the arterial blood pathway, pre-dialyzer.

In one embodiment, the manifold further incorporates tubing ports, preferably in the range of 10-14 and more preferably 12 ports, for connecting all the fluid pathways within the manifold to other components in the disposable set including dialyzer, sorbent cartridge, bag reservoir, infusate container, patient blood lines, anticoagulant, sensors, priming line and drain, as further discussed below.

In one embodiment, the manifold is shaped like a capital “I”, with a first segment and a second segment parallel to each other and a connecting segment that a) is perpendicular to the first segment and second segment and b) serves to connect the first and second segments. In one embodiment, the connecting segment connects the middle of the first segment to the middle of the second segment, thereby making the distance between the connecting segment and each end of the first and second segments equidistant. It should be appreciated that the connecting segment can be placed at the ends of the first and second segment, thereby making a capital “C” or backwards “C”. The manifold can also be rotated relative to the dialysis system and need not be positioned as a capital “I”, e.g. it can be positioned on its side or at an angle. As shown in FIG. 3 b, in an exemplary embodiment, the manifold has dimensions as follows: L1 and L2 are in the range of 4 to 7 inches, and preferably approximately 5.7 inches, L3 and L4 are in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 inches, and preferably approximately 1 inch, L5 is in the range of 2.5 to 4.5 inches, and preferably approximately 3.5 inches, and L6 is in the range of 1 to 3 inches, and preferably approximately 1.8 inches. While dimensions have been provided, it should be appreciated that the inventions disclosed herein are not limited to any specific dimension, or set of dimensions.

In one embodiment, the assembly process of the manifold 200 comprises mating the back cover 201 to the mid body 204 while affixing the membranes 202 and 203 into place by having a first side of the membranes physically attach or touch the mid body and having a second side of the membranes pass through holes, spaces, or voids 211 in the back cover 201. Preferably, the second side of the membranes have a tiered structure which permits a first tier to pass through the void 211 while the second tier remains between the back cover 201 and mid body 204. This affixes the membranes 202, 203 into the back cover 201. Furthermore, it is preferred for the mid body 204 to contain recesses into which the first side of the membranes 202, 203 rest, thereby affixing them to the mid body 204. In an alternate configuration, the membranes 202 and 203 may be co-molded to the back cover 201 in a multi-shot molding process.

One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the various components of the manifold can be bound or affixed together using any suitable means. In one embodiment, the seal between the midbody and back cover is achieved via ultrasonic welding or adhesive. Alternately laser welding may be employed. The front cover is bonded to the other side of the mid body in a similar manner. Pump tubing segments are solvent bonded into place in one embodiment, or in an alternate embodiment, the segments may be laser welded using a laser absorbing additive in the plastic.

In one embodiment, the front cover is molded from BASF Terlux 2802HD, ABS, which is clear and will provide visibility to the fluid pathway. The clarity of the ABS will also provide a means for inspecting the integrity of the ultrasonically welded surfaces. ABS is preferred for its biocompatibility as well as compatibility to ultrasonic welding. Additionally, the front cover can include a molded in textured surface to help facilitate a better bond between the front cover and the mid-body. This textured surface is a chemical etching process that is known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. One preferred texture depth is 0.0045″. Other suitable textures can be laser etched as well. The surface to be welded on the front cover is designed with a 0.003″ recess which translates to a 0.003″ raised surface on the mold. This provides an accurate surface to receive the texturing. Once the texturing takes place on the mold, the height of this 0.003″ surface is lowered. Because of the peaks and valleys of the 0.0045″ texture depth it is assumed that the average would be half that amount or 0.00225″. The result would leave the mold in a steel safe condition of 0.00075″.

In one embodiment, the front cover provides blood flow directors in both the arterial and venous pathways. These features are designed to minimize hemolysis. The blood flow directors provide for a consistent cross-sectional area throughout the pathway and minimize sharp edges to which the blood would come in contact without their presence. The wall on the opposite side of the blood flow directors has been relieved to provide a more consistent wall thickness in the molded plastic part. This will prevent sinks in this area, which could affect the surrounding welded surfaces. In one embodiment, the front cover wall thickness is 0.075″.

Optionally, the front cover has alignment holes are provided for assembly purposes to ensure that the front cover and mid-body are accurately aligned during the ultrasonic welding process. The raised bosses around the alignment holes help maximize contact with the alignment pins of the welding fixture so that the plastic does not melt as easily due to friction. These bosses do not touch and are not welded to the mid-body to ensure that the hole is patent.

FIG. 3 a provides a perspective view of the mid body component of the compact manifold of the present invention. As is shown in FIG. 3, the complete blood and dialysate flow paths 301 of the hemodialysis/hemofiltration system are molded into the mid body. Accommodations for the various functional elements 302 of the blood purification system, such as pumps, valves and sensors are also integrated into the mid body section of the compact manifold.

The mid-body can be molded from BASF Terlux 2802HD, ABS. Another alternative ABS is Lustran 348, White. ABS was chosen for its biocompatibility as well as compatibility to ultrasonic welding. The mid-body along with the front cover provides the fluid path channels for the manifold. The mid-body contains the energy directors for the butt joint style ultrasonic welding. In one embodiment, the energy director's dimensions are 0.019″ tall with a 0.024″ wide base. This results in a cross-sectional area of 0.00023 square inches. The width of the welding surface is 0.075″ resulting in a weld volume of about 0.003″×0.075″. A butt joint style energy director is preferred over other styles, like shear joints, tongue and groove, step joint, due to its simplicity and ability to control the molded part geometry. Vents are provided in the weld geometry to prevent trapped gases from being forced through the welds resulting in a poor weld that may leak.

The back cover side of the mid-body preferably provides a molded in textured surface to help facilitate a better bond between the back cover and the mid-body. This textured surface is a chemical etching process that is known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. The preferred texture depth is 0.0045″. Other suitable textures can be laser etched as well. The surface to be welded on the mid-body is designed with a 0.003″ recess which translates to a 0.003″ raised surface on the mold. Once the texturing takes place on the mold, the height of this 0.003″ surface is lowered. Because of the peaks and valleys of the 0.0045″ texture depth it is assumed that the average would be half that amount or 0.00225″. The result would leave the mold in a steel safe condition of 0.00075″.

The size of the components being welded can have a major impact on the successfulness of the ultrasonic welding process. The larger the surface area, the more difficult the welding process. It is important that the welding surfaces are accurately controlled. Consistent thickness in the front and back covers is more important than flatness because a cover that is off slightly on flatness will be pressed flat during the welding process. Flatness on the mid-body is important due to the structural design that would prevent it from being flattened during the welding process. Due to these issues it is very important that the parts are designed correctly and not prone to anomalies like warpage, sinks, dimensional variations, etc. In addition, the mold construction and quality needs to match high standards that the parts will need to meet. It would follow that the molding process controls would require the highest of standards as well.

The back cover can be molded from BASF Terlux 2802HD, ABS. The back cover contains the energy directors for the butt joint style ultrasonic welding. The energy director's dimensions are 0.019″ tall with a 0.024″ wide base. This results in a cross-sectional area of 0.00023 square inches. The width of the welding surface is 0.075″ resulting in a weld volume of about 0.003″×0.075″. This 0.003″ weld volume should be considered when determining the geometry of the assembled components. Vents are provided in the weld geometry to prevent trapped gases from being forced through the welds resulting in a poor weld that may leak. The alignment holes in the back cover are provided for assembly purposes to ensure that the back cover is accurately aligned to the mid-body during the ultrasonic welding process. The alignment holes in the back cover also provide accurate alignment of the manifold and instrument when properly loaded. The raised bosses around the alignment holes are designed to maximize contact with the alignment pins of the welding fixture so that the plastic does not melt as easily due to friction. These bosses do not touch and are not welded to ensure that the hole is patent.

Ultrasonic welding was chosen as the method for bonding the manifolds three major components because of the low cost of this manufacturing process. The relatively low equipment costs and cycle times to create the weld attribute to this lower manufacturing cost. Once the parts are loaded into the fixture, the welding cycle with horn travel and removal, can be accomplished in seconds. The actual weld time is about one second. Other bonding methods include hot plate, laser, and UV adhesive.

Referring to FIG. 3 a, in one embodiment, the mid body section 300 has integrated within it three 2-way valves 307, five pressure transducers 306, an occlusion detector, an air bubble detector and a blood leak detector. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the number and type of functional components that are integrated within the mid body section 300 may be varied according to the requirement and application of the blood purification system and, therefore, can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more pressure transducers, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, or more 2-way valves, 0, 2, 3, 4, or more occlusion detectors, 0, 2, 3, 4, or more air bubble detectors, 0, 2, 3, 4 or more blood leak detectors. Additionally, the mid body section 300 comprises a plurality of ports 303, 304.

The ports include internal ports 304 through which fluid flows via pump segments (not shown) from and between the first and second segments of the manifold 300. In one embodiment, the first segment has four internal ports 304, two on each side of the point where the first segment and connecting segment connect. It should be appreciated that the first segment can have 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, or more internal ports. In one embodiment, the second segment has four internal ports 304, two on each side of the point where the first segment and connecting segment connect. It should be appreciated that the second segment can have 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, or more internal ports. Additionally, it is preferred that the position and location of the internal ports of the first segment mirrors the position and location of the internal ports of the second segment. The ports also include external ports 303 to elements external to the manifold 300. In one embodiment, the first segment has two external ports 303. In one embodiment, the second segment has ten external ports 304. In one embodiment, the first segment has 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or more external ports 303. In one embodiment, the second segment has 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or more external ports 304.

Incorporating fluid contacting elements into the manifold, as described above, enables the design of systems where reusable sensors are mounted in the dialysis machine to which the manifold is mated while necessarily disposable fluid contacting elements are separated out and placed in the manifold, as described above. To ensure proper readings and measurements are made, the fluid contacting elements and reusable sensors need to be aligned. Mating and alignment between the manifold and dialysis machine is critical with respect to positioning and pressure applied. Typically such mating precision must provide for 0.001″ to 0.010″ tolerance in X, Y and Z directions and apply a mounting force in the range of 10-100 PSI to oppose fluid forces with the manifold. Such critical positioning is accomplished by means of specially designed positioning surfaces on the manifold registering with complimentary positioning surfaces on the dialysis machine. Required forces are delivered by analysis and design of dialysis machine structure to allow for X and Y positions and Z direction deflections of less than about 0.001″ to 0.010″ under all fluidic and mechanical pressures developed within the manifold during operation. Because the manifold contains many structures on one monolithic substrate such critical alignment need only be done once serving to position all features of the manifold with all mating features of the dialysis machine.

Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the manifold 902 is mounted on the vertical front panel 903 of the dialysis system 901. The manifold is accurately located on this panel 903 by a plurality of alignment mechanisms. The first alignment mechanism comprises a plurality of alignment pins in the panel 903 that engage alignment holes in the manifold 902. The second alignment mechanism comprises at least one latch that maintains the manifold 903 in a specific mounted position until the door 906 is closed and the final accurate position is obtained. In one embodiment, the back cover of the manifold has two designed-in tabs at top and bottom. These tabs latch the manifold in a first holding position prior to the door closure and subsequent placement of the manifold's accurate position. The tabs enable a latching mechanism that can be manually released or by ball detents that require forcibly removing the manifold by hand. In another embodiment, the latch mechanism comprises a spring loaded insertion and release mechanism at the top of the back cover. This mechanism had a connecting rod between the top latch and a bottom latch. When the release mechanism at the top was activated the bottom latch released as well.

The third alignment mechanism comprises contoured guides 908 that direct the general position and configuration of the manifold 902. The contoured guides 908 are preferably shaped to mate with, match, or otherwise complement the physical structure of the manifold 902. In one embodiment, the guides 908 are generally rectangular and configured to fit inside the space bounded by the sides of the first segment, second segment, and connecting segment. The fourth alignment mechanism comprises a door 906 having at least one spring loaded pressure plate 905 that captures the manifold 902 between the door 906 and front panel 903, thereby applying adequate pressure for valving and pressure sensing. The door 906 also includes four pressure shoes that apply adequate pressure to the pumping components for rotary peristaltic delivery of fluids. It should be appreciated that one or more of the alignment mechanisms can be used, either alone or in combination, to achieve the requisite aligned and pressurized position for the manifold. It should further be appreciated that the alignment mechanisms are attached to the surface of a recessed region within the dialysis device enclosure. The recessed region comprises the front panel 903 that is recessed relative to the dialysis device housing and is bounded by four walls (a first wall, a second wall, a third and a fourth wall) that extends upward from the front panel 903 to meet and fixedly attach to the dialysis device enclosure. The recess is sufficiently deep and configured to receive the door 906.

The mid-body channel size is nominally in the range of 0.190″ deep by 0.190″ wide with 0.020″ radiuses at the bottom corners of the channel on the mid-body side. The radius at the bottom corners of the channel should be the maximum to prevent sinks from occurring under the channel walls. These channel walls have valve and pressure diaphragm geometry on the opposite side of the mid-body, which could be adversely affected by sink in these areas. In one embodiment, the fluid pathways are square. General design rule to prevent sink is that the wall thickness of a rib (channel wall in this case) should not be more than 50-60% of the adjacent wall, to which it is attached. The channel wall is 0.075″ and the adjacent wall (main manifold structure) is 0.130″ resulting in 58%. The 0.190″×0.190″ dialysate channels transition to the 0.155″ tubing port through holes. This minimizes the accuracy required to align the front cover to the mid-body and minimizes the potential for sinks created by the thicker walls which could affect sealing features on the opposite side of the mid-body. The same approach was taken for anticoagulant and infusate channels. Gentle curves are designed into the channels to maximize laminar flow and minimize turbulent flow. In one embodiment, the Anticoagulant and infusate channels, as discussed below, measure 0.190″ deep by 0.100″ wide.

In one embodiment, the mid-body has alignment holes for assembly purposes to ensure that both the front cover and back cover are accurately aligned to the mid-body during the ultrasonic welding process. The raised bosses around the alignment holes maximize contact with the alignment pins of the welding fixture so that the plastic does not melt as easily due to friction. These bosses do not touch and are not welded to ensure that the hole is patent.

FIG. 4 is a diagram detailing the fluidic circuit for the compact manifold according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fluidic circuit comprises four peristaltic pumps P1 401, P2 402, P3 403 and P4 404. It further comprises five pressure transducers S1 405, S2 406, S3 407, S4 408 and S5 409, and a temperature sensor S6 410. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, three pairs of valves—V1A and V1B 411, V2A and V2B 412 and V3A and V3B 413 are integrated into the manifold. Grouped in this manner the pairs of six one way valves, 411 A,B, 412 A,B, 413 A,B form three two way valve assemblies 411, 412, 413.

Pump tube segments 401, 402, 403, 404 are bonded into the compact manifold. A number of ports are provided in the manifold, which connect with tubes external to the manifold to allow the flow of various fluids in and out of the manifold. These ports are connected to various tubes in the blood purification system for carrying fluids as follows:

Port A 415—blood to the dialyzer 430,

Port B 416—dialyzer output (used dialysate);

Port C 417—blood from the patient;

Port D 418—heparin for mixing in the blood;

Port E 419—reservoir output (fresh dialysate);

Port F 420—dialyzer input (fresh dialysate);

Port G 421—dialyzer output (blood);

Port H 422—patient return (clean blood);

Port J 423—connects to prime and drain line;

Port K 424—reservoir infusate input;

Port M 425—infusate in from infusate reservoir;

Port N 426—dialysate flow into sorbent.

In one embodiment, a tube segment, formed as a pathway molded into the manifold structure 400, connects the fluid flow of heparin, entering via Port D 418, to the fluid flow of blood, entering via Port C 417. The combined heparin and blood flow through port 417 a, via pump 401, and into port 417 b of the manifold 400. A pressure transducer is in physical communication with a tube segment, formed as a pathway molded into the manifold structure 400, which, in turn, passes the blood and heparin fluid through Port A 415. Fluid flow out of the manifold 400 at Port A 415 passes through dialyzer 430, which is external to the manifold 400. The dialyzed blood passes back into the manifold 400 through Port G 421 and into a tube segment, formed as a pathway molded into the manifold structure 400, that is in physical communication with pressure transducer 407. Fluid then passes from the tube segment through Port H 422 and into a patient return line.

Separately, dialysis fluid enters the manifold 400 from a reservoir via Port E 419. Fluid in the reservoir has infusate in it, which enters the manifold 400 via Port M 425, passes through a tube segment, formed as a pathway molded into the manifold structure 400, through another port 425 a, through a pump 402, and back into the manifold 400 via port 425 b. The infusate passes through a tube segment, formed as a pathway molded into the manifold structure 400, and out the manifold 400 at Port K 424, where it passes into the reservoir. The dialysis fluid which entered the manifold via Port E 419, passes through a tube segment, formed as a pathway molded into the manifold structure 400, through another port 419 a, through a pump 403, and back into the manifold 400 via port 419 b.

The dialysate fluid passes into a tube segment, formed as a pathway molded into the manifold structure 400, which is in physical communication with a pair of valves 411. A tube segment, formed as a pathway molded into the manifold structure 400, passes the dialysate fluid to another pair of valves 413. The tube segment is in physical communication with pressure transducers 408 and optional temperature sensor 410. The dialysate fluid passes out of the manifold 400 through Port F 420, and into a line that passes into the dialyzer 430.

A line out of the dialyzer 430 passes fluid back into the manifold 400 through Port B 416 and into a tube segment, formed as a pathway molded into the manifold structure 400, that is in physical communication with a first pair of valves 411, a second pair of valves 412, and a pressure transducer 406. The used dialysate fluid passes out of the manifold 400 through port 426 b, through pump 404, and back into the manifold via port 426 a. A tube segment in fluid communication with port 426 a is in physical communication with pressure transducer 409 and passes fluid through Port N 426 and to a sorbent regeneration system.

The tubing ports are designed for circuit tubing 0.268″×0.175″ tubing or anticoagulant and infusate tubing 0.161″×0.135″. Preferably, the tubing ports are bonded with a suitable solvent.

In one embodiment, the 2-way valve operate by having valve actuators, which are mounted on the instrument, compress an elastomeric diaphragm over a volcano seal to prevent dialysate flow through its respective pathway. The volcano seal opening is approximately 0.190″ diameter to match the channel geometry. The cross-sectional pathway through the interior of the valve is at least equivalent to 0.190″ diameter when valves are open. When the valve is in the closed position the valve actuator and elastomeric diaphragm consume most of the fluid path space around the volcano seal minimizing the potential for air entrapment. There are raised plastic features on the mid-body that minimize dead space within the fluid path as well as help prevent diaphragm from collapsing around the center fluid path under negative pressure conditions. The elastomeric diaphragm has an o-ring feature around its perimeter that fits into a groove on the mid-body surface. The o-ring is compressed between the mid-body and back cover to form a fluid tight seal. The design provides for approximately 30% compression on the o-ring. The 2-way valves control the direction of dialysate flow through the manifold.

The mid-body contains structures that allow for fluid pressure monitoring across diaphragms through the use of sensors in the instrument. Fluid is allowed to flow from channels on the front cover side of the mid-body through inlet and outlet holes underneath the diaphragm on the back cover side. The cross-sectional pathway through the interior of the pressure sensing structure is at least equivalent to 0.190″. The interior pathway is designed to minimize air entrapment while providing adequate fluid contact with the diaphragm. The elastomeric diaphragm has an o-ring feature around its perimeter that fits into a groove on the mid-body surface. The o-ring is compressed between the mid-body and back cover to form a fluid tight seal. The design provides for a 30% compression on the o-ring.

The valves and diaphragms can be made from a variety of different materials and by different processes. In one embodiment, the elastomeric components are made from silicone. In another embodiment, the elastomeric components are made from a variety of thermoplastic elastomers. Two shot molding may be used to attach the valves and diaphragms to the back cover. Two shot molding of valves and diaphragms would remove the need to individually assemble these parts into the manifold therefore reducing labor costs and improve quality of the manifold assembly.

Pumping components in the manifold design have been defined as PVC header tubing. These headers combined with rotary peristaltic pumping system of the instrument provide the flow of blood, dialysate, and infusate. The circuit tubing material for dialysate, infusate, and anticoagulant is preferably kink resistant, such as the tubing referred to as Colorite, Unichem PTN 780, (80A durometer) extruded by Natvar, all TEKNIplex companies. The tubing dimensions for the dialysate lines ranges from 0.268″×0.189″ to 0.268″×0.175″.

As mentioned above, the compact manifold for the dialysis system also includes a temperature sensor (Ref. 410 of FIG. 4). In one embodiment of the PAK, the temperature sensor is located in the reservoir assembly. However, the temperature sensor may also be located outside the reservoir assembly, and in such embodiments, it can be integrated into the manifold, as shown in FIG. 4.

There are three major approaches using which temperature sensing can be integrated into the manifold. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that variations are possible with each approach, without effecting any significant change in the overall design of the manifold. These approaches are discussed as follows:

High Conductivity Fluid Contact:

In high conductivity direct fluid contact approach, a metal disk is built into the wall of the manifold with a thermistor or any other suitable temperature sensor known in the art placed in contact with the disk on the dialysis machine side, and with fluid on the patient side. Fluid temperature may thus be monitored through the metal disk.

Conventionally, the temperature is monitored by placing a thermistor directly in the fluid stream. Use of metal disk for monitoring temperature in the present invention provides an advantage that contamination, and hence the need for cleaning of the thermistor is avoided.

A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that a metal disk of any suitable metal, such as type 316 Stainless Steel may be used for the purpose. Further, a thermistor of any make appropriate for the current application may be employed. An exemplary thermistor is part number 10K 3A1A manufactured by BetaTherm.

In one embodiment, the metal disk is for single patient use and disposable, and the thermistor is part of the dialysis machine and is reused.

Medium Conductivity Fluid Contact:

The pressure transducer membranes (Ref. 202 of FIG. 2) of the compact manifold are relatively thin and constructed of a medium thermal conductivity material. Thickness of typically 0.040″ are used and can vary from 0.005″ to 0.050″ The thinner the material and the higher the thermal conductivity, the more accurately the pressure transducer membranes will transmit temperature of the dialysis fluid to the pressure transducer mounted inside the dialysis machine. By design they are in direct contact with the pressure transducer on the machine side and the fluid on the patient side. Placing a suitable temperature sensor inside the pressure transducer allows monitoring the fluid temperature. Certain pressure transducers known in the art already include a temperature sensor for correction of the transducer due to temperature drift. Such pressure transducers with temperature sensing feature can be used for the purpose of present application. An exemplary combination pressure-temperature sensor is model MPT40 manufactured by Micron Instruments. Employing such a combination of sensors avoids direct contact of the fluid measured and reduces the number of components in the manifold. This provides an alternative to the metal disk, as used in the previous approach.

Indirect Optical Temperature Measurement

If the plastic wall of the manifold fluid path is of limited thickness, such as approximately 0.020″, then the plastic wall will equilibrate in temperature to the fluid inside the manifold. Under such conditions a non contact optical temperature measurement can be made from outside of the thinned wall, and fluid temperature within can be determined. An exemplary non contact optical temperature sensor is part number MLX90614 manufactured by Melxis. The non contact approach provides the advantage that it requires no additional parts in the manifold. The only requirement is a thin section in the fluid path walls. This approach provides low cost and still maintains single patient use safety features.

Apart from pressure transducers and temperature sensor, other sensors may also be included for integrating with the compact manifold. These other sensors include, but are not limited to, ammonia sensor, pH sensor and conductivity sensor. The ammonia and pH sensors may be integrated as individual sensors into the manifold, or as a single ‘module’ that comprises both the sensors.

One possible implementation for an integral conductivity sensor in the manifold is as a conductivity cell with electrical pins contacting the dialysate fluid. The technical details of an exemplary conductivity cell are shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 5, the conductivity cell 500 comprises bias pins 501 for applying a small, constant current to the fluid. Sensing pins 502 detect the voltage in the fluid, wherein the magnitude of the detected voltage is dependent on the conductivity and temperature of the fluid. The temperature is measured using a thermistor 503 placed next to the conductivity cell 500. Alternately the temperature can be determined by one of the means disclosed above. Knowing the values of the measured temperature and voltage at the sensing pins 502, conductivity of the fluid can be determined.

The current applied through the bias pins 501 can be DC or an AC signal and is generally in the 50-100 kHz frequency range. In one embodiment, the magnitude of the applied current is of the order of 10 mA. Sensing pins 502 are generally depth positioned during manufacture of the conductivity cell, typically to a depth of +/− 0.001 inch with cal solution in the cell. The thermistor 503 has a typical accuracy of 0.5 Deg C.

The conductivity cell can be built into a dialysate fluid passage of the compact manifold by driving or molding in place conductive pins (bias pins and sensing pins) into the manifold body such that they come in contact with the dialysate but do not allow dialysate to leak out of the manifold.

In one embodiment, sensing for blood leakage, air bubbles, and/or occlusion is achieved by including optical sensors in the dialysis machine which attach to, and around, pre-defined areas of the manifold. Referring back to FIG. 3 a, the manifold 300 comprises a plurality of tubing support brackets 322 which facilitate accurately placing the circuit tubing into optical sensors, such as Optek sensors, that are separately mounted in the instrument when the manifold is installed and the door is shut. The sensors provide means for detecting occlusion in the arterial line, blood leak in the blood line downstream of the dialyzer and air detection in the venous blood line. The brackets restrain the tubing on one side of the sensor while the tubing port does the restraining on the other side of the sensor. These optical sensors are U shaped devices into which the tubing is forced when the manifold is installed. The tubing support brackets provide support for the tubing so that all three of these sensors are loaded with the same motion as loading the manifold, with no extra effort on the user's part.

As mentioned earlier, the extracorporeal blood processing system of the present invention is implemented as a portable artificial kidney (PAK) that is capable of operating in hemodialysis or hemofiltration configuration as required. To allow the user to select the desired mode of operation (hemodialysis or hemofiltration), in one embodiment the system is provided with two-way valve(s). These valves can be actuated by a user to direct dialysate flow either through the dialyzer in one mode of operation or to deliver infusate grade dialysate flow directly to a patient, in a second mode of operation. These two-way valves can also be integrated with the compact manifold of the dialysis circuit. This is illustrated in FIG. 6 a. It should be noted that in FIGS. 6 a through 6 e, for the purpose of clarity, corresponding elements have the same numbers.

Referring to FIG. 6 a, the extracorporeal blood processing system 600 comprises a plastic molded compact manifold 610 that encapsulates a plurality of molded blood and dialysate fluidic paths as well as a plurality of sensors, valves and fluidic pumps. The dialyzer 605 when connected to the arterial blood tube 601 and venous blood tube 602 of manifold 610 completes the blood circuit of system 600. In one embodiment, the dialyzer 605 is disposable. Two lines —603 and 604, are used for circulating spent and fresh dialysate respectively. For operating the system 600 in either of the two modes (hemodialysis and hemofiltration), a two-way valve 645, and a backup two-way valve 646 are provided. Back up valve 646 is employed because the dialysate used in hemodialysis is not sterile and not infusion grade while the fluid used in hemofiltration is. In the event of operation in hemodialysis mode and a leak or other failure of valve 645, valve 646 provides double protection against that fluid being pumped into the patient blood stream. Inclusion of backup valve 646 allows the use of one manifold for both hemodialysis and hemofiltration safely. As noted above two way valves such as backup valve 646 are composed of two single valves. In this case both one way valves are in series and so by closing both ports of two way valve 646 double protection is afforded preventing dialysate from entering the blood stream. In an alternate embodiment a manifold can be made that is only intended for hemodialysis, having no connection between dialysis fluid circuit and blood circuit and valve 646 be safely eliminated.

FIG. 6 b illustrates in further detail, the circuit for hemodialysis/hemofiltration system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6 b, the spent dialysate and fresh dialysate tubes 603 and 604 respectively are connected to a dialysate regeneration system 606 thereby completing the dialysate circuit of the system 600. The dialysate regeneration system 606 further comprises disposable sorbent cartridges 615 and a reservoir 634 to hold dialysate cleansed by cartridges 615. Other components of the system shown in FIG. 6 b, and their functionality is explained with reference to FIG. 6 c, which shows an exploded view of the extracorporeal blood processing system 600 configured to operate in hemodialysis mode. Corresponding elements in FIGS. 6 b and 6 c have the same numbers.

Referring to FIGS. 6 b and 6 c, there are two fluid circuits—blood circuit 620 and dialysate circuit 625. Blood circuit 620 comprises a peristaltic blood pump 621 that draws a patient's arterial impure blood along the tube 601 and pumps the blood through dialyzer 605. A syringe device 607 injects an anticoagulant, such as heparin, into the drawn impure blood stream. Pressure sensor 608 is placed at the inlet of the blood pump 621 while pressure sensors 609 and 611 are placed upstream and downstream of the dialyzer 605 to monitor pressure at these vantage points. As purified blood flows downstream from the dialyzer 605 and back to the patient, a blood temperature sensor 612 is provided in the line to keep track of temperature of the purified blood. An air eliminator 613 is also provided to remove accumulated gas bubbles in the clean blood from the dialyzer. A pair of air (bubble) sensors (or optionally a single sensor) 614 and a pinch valve 616 are employed in the circuit to prevent accumulated gas from being returned to the patient.

The dialysate circuit 625 comprises two dual-channel pulsatile dialysate pumps 626, 627. Dialysate pumps 626, 627 draw spent dialysate solution from the dialyzer 605 and the regenerated dialysate solution from reservoir 634 respectively. At the point where used dialysate fluid from the dialyzer 605 enters the dialysate circuit 602, a blood leak sensor 628 is provided to sense and prevent any leakage of blood into the dialysate circuit. Spent dialysate from the outlet of the dialyzer 605 then passes through the bypass valve 629 to reach two-way valve 630. A pressure sensor 631 is placed between the valves 629 and 630. An ultrafiltrate pump 632 is provided in the dialysate circuit, which is operated periodically to draw ultrafiltrate waste from the spent dialysate and store it in an ultrafiltrate bag 633, which is emptied periodically.

As mentioned previously, spent dialysate is regenerated using sorbent cartridges. The dialysate regenerated by means of sorbent cartridge 615 is collected in a reservoir 634. The reservoir 634 includes conductivity and ammonia sensors 661 and 662 respectively. From the reservoir 634, regenerated dialysate passes through flow restrictor 635 and pressure sensor 636 to reach a two-way valve 637. Depending upon patient requirement, desired quantities of infusate solution from the reservoir 650 and/or concentrate solution from the reservoir 651 may be added to the dialysis fluid. Infusate and concentrate are sterile solutions containing minerals and/or glucose that help maintain minerals like potassium and calcium in the dialysate fluid at levels prescribed by the physician. A bypass valve 641 and a peristaltic pump 642 are provided to select the desired amount of infusate and/or concentrate solution and to ensure proper flow of the solution into the cleansed dialysate emanating from the reservoir 634.

The dialysate circuit comprises two two-way valves 630 and 637. The valve 630 directs one stream of spent dialysate to a first channel of dialysate pump 626 and another stream of spent dialysate to a first channel of dialysate pump 627. Similarly, valve 637 directs one stream of regenerated dialysate to a second channel of dialysate pump 626 and another stream of regenerated dialysate to a second channel of dialysate pump 627.

Streams of spent dialysate from pumps 626 and 627 are collected by two-way valve 638 while streams of regenerated dialysate from pumps 626 and 627 are collected by two-way valve 639. The valve 638 combines the two streams of spent dialysate into a single stream that is pumped via pressure sensor 640 and through sorbent cartridges 615 where the spent dialysate is cleansed and filtered, collected in the reservoir 634. The valve 639 combines the two streams of regenerated dialysate into a single stream, which flows to the two-way valve 645 through a bypass valve 647. A pressure sensor 643 and a dialysate temperature sensor 644 are provided on the dialysate flow stream to the two-way valve 645.

By reversing the state of two way valves 630, 637, 638 and 639 the two pumps 626 and 627 are reversed in their action of one withdrawing dialysis fluid from the dialyzer 605 and the other supplying dialysis fluid to the dialyzer 605. Such reversal, when done periodically over short periods of time relative to the dialysis session, insures that over the longer period of the entire dialysis session the dialysate fluid volume pumped into the dialyzer equals the amount of fluid pumped out and the only total fluid volume lost by dialysis circuit 625 is that removed by ultrafiltrate pump 632.

In hemodialysis mode, depicted in FIG. 6 c two-way valve 645 allows the regenerated dialysate to enter dialyzer 605 to enable normal hemodialysis of the patient's blood. One side of valve 645 is closed leading to the patient's blood return line. Another two-way valve 646 acts as a backup, keeping dialysate form the patient's blood line with both ports of valve 646 closed even if valve 645 leaks or fails.

In hemofiltration mode of operation, depicted in FIG. 6 d the two-way valve 645 can be actuated to direct a stream of fresh ultrapure dialysate from reservoir 652 through valve 646, now with both ports open to directly enter the stream of purified blood emanating from the dialyzer and flowing back to patient.

It should be noted by persons of ordinary skill in the art that the backup two-way valve 646 is a redundant safety valve to ensure that in hemodialysis mode failure of one valve 645 does not result in infusion of regenerated dialysate directly into the patient. That is, both the valves 645 and 646 are capable of being actuated by the user to allow fluid to be directed to the patient's venous blood line as a safety consideration. In one embodiment the two-way back-up valve 646 is a single valve to allow or stop fluid flow.

It should be further noted by persons of ordinary skill in the art that valves as described in the description above are termed as ‘bypass’ or ‘two-way’ depending upon their use. Thus, valves are termed ‘bypass valves’ when they bypass something like the dialyzer. Otherwise they are termed ‘two-way valves’ and simply direct the flow in at least two directions. However, the bypass and two-way valves are identical in construction.

In one embodiment, the two-way valves used in the present invention are fabricated as elastomeric membranes that are pressed against an orifice by a mechanism contained inside the dialysis machine to stop flow having fluid contact with the rest of the fluidic circuit.

As mentioned, two-way valves 645 and 646 can be used for changing the mode of operation for the blood processing system. FIG. 6 d shows an embodiment, in which the system 600 is configured as operating in hemofiltration protocol. Referring to FIG. 6 d, fluid flow in blood and dialysate circuits 620 and 625 is depicted. Since the system is operating in hemofiltration mode, therefore the spent dialysate tube 603 is connected to a drain while the fresh, dialysate tube 604 is connected to fresh ultrapure and injectable grade dialysate reservoirs 652. Fresh dialysate through a ball-valve drip chamber 653 passes through a heater bag 654 to flow into the fresh dialysate tube 604. The rest of the elements and fluidic paths of the blood and dialysate circuits 620, 625 are similar to those of FIG. 6 c, except that in hemofiltration protocol fresh dialysate or replacement fluid is introduced into the dialysate circuit 625 as the spent dialysate is drained and not reused. Also depicted by grey shading in FIG. 6 d in hemofiltration mode the infusate subsystem incorporating components 642, 650, 641 and 651 is unused.

Referring to FIG. 6 d, the blood circuit 620 comprises a peristaltic blood pump 621 that draws a patient's arterial impure blood along tube 601 and pumps the blood through dialyzer 605. An optional pump 607 injects an anticoagulant, such as heparin, into the drawn impure blood stream. Pressure sensor 608 is placed at the inlet of the blood pump 621 while pressure sensors 609 and 611 are placed upstream and downstream of the dialyzer 605. Purified blood from the dialyzer 605 is pumped through tube 602 past a blood temperature sensor 612, air eliminator 613 and Air (bubble) sensors 614 and back to a vein of the patient. A pinch valve 616 is also placed to completely stop blood flow if air is sensed by the bubble sensor 614 in the line upstream of the pinch valve 616 thereby preventing the air from reaching the patient.

The dialysate circuit 625 comprises two dual-channel dialysate pumps 626, 627. Dialysate pumps 626, 627 draw spent dialysate solution from the dialyzer 605 and the fresh dialysate solution from reservoirs 652 respectively. Spent dialysate from the outlet of the dialyzer 605 is drawn through blood leak sensor 628 and bypass valve 629 to reach two-way valve 630. Pressure sensor 631 is placed between the valves 629 and 630. An ultrafiltrate pump 632 is operated periodically to draw ultrafiltrate waste from the spent dialysate and store in an ultrafiltrate bag 633 (that is emptied periodically). Fresh dialysate from the reservoirs 652 passes through flow restrictor 635 and pressure sensor 636 to reach two-way valve 637. Persons of ordinary skill in the art would realize that in this protocol infusate and concentrate is not needed and accordingly elements 641, 642, 650, 651 associated with those functions are shown “grayed out”. In the fluidic diagram of FIG. 6 e the two-way valve 641 as well as pump 642 are depicted in grey indicating that they are not in use, but are part of the common manifold 610 of FIG. 6 a.

The heater bag 654 raises the temperature of the fresh dialysate sufficiently so that the temperature of the ultrafiltered blood going back to the patient from the dialyzer 605 or the overall temperature of the mixture of ultrafiltered blood from dialyzer 605 and the fresh dialysate infused directly into the purified blood by actuating the valves 645, 646 is equivalent to the body temperature of the patient thereby preventing any thermal shock.

FIG. 6 e shows an alternative embodiment of the fluidic set where the backup two-way valve 646 of FIGS. 6 a through 6 c is not used. Referring now to FIG. 6 e, the blood circuit comprises peristaltic blood pump 621 that draws a patient's arterial impure blood along tube 601 and pumps the blood through dialyzer 605. A pump 607 injects an anticoagulant, such as heparin, into the drawn impure blood stream. Pressure sensor 608 is placed at the inlet of the blood pump while pressure sensors 609 and 611 are placed upstream and downstream of the dialyzer 605. Purified blood from the dialyzer 605 is pumped through tube 602 past a blood temperature sensor 612, air eliminator 613 and Air (bubble) sensor 614 and back to a vein of the patient. A pinch valve 616 is also placed before circuit connection to the patient to completely stop blood flow if air is sensed by the Air (bubble) sensor 614 in the line upstream of the pinch valve 616 thereby preventing the air from reaching the patient.

The dialysate circuit comprises two dialysate pumps 626, 627. Dialysate pumps 626, 627 draw spent dialysate solution from the dialyzer 605 and the regenerated dialysate solution from reservoir 634 respectively. Spent dialysate from the outlet of the dialyzer 605 is drawn through blood leak sensor 628 to reach bypass valve 629. Flow sensor 630 is one of two flow sensors (the other being flow sensor 646) which determine the volume of dialysate flowing through the circuit. Valve 630′ is similar in construction to a two-way valve and is used to bypass dialysate pump 626. Valve 630′ is normally closed in the direction of the bypass. In the event of stopping of the dialysate pump 626, valve 630′ is opened to direct flow around pump 626. Pressure sensor 631 is placed between the flow sensor 630 and the valve 630′. During normal flow, the spent dialysate is pumped via pressure sensor 640 and through sorbent cartridges 615 where the spent dialysate is cleansed and filtered. The cleansed/filtered dialysate then enters reservoir 634. An ultrafiltrate pump 632 is operated periodically to draw ultrafiltrate waste from the spent dialysate and store in an ultrafiltrate bag (not shown) that is emptied periodically.

Regenerated dialysate from the reservoir 634 passes through flow restrictor 635, dialysate temperature sensor 644, flow sensor 646 and pressure sensor 636 to reach two-way valve 645 through bypass valve 641. When the respective flow paths of bypass valves 629 and 645 and 641 are activated they direct regenerated dialysate to bypass the dialyzer 605. Infusate and concentrate streams from infusate and concentrate reservoirs 650, 651 are directed by infusate and concentrate pumps 642, 643 into the cleansed dialysate emanating from the reservoir 634 and the spent dialysate downstream of flow sensor 630, respectively.

The two-way valve 645 determines what mode the system 600 is operating in. Thus, in one mode of operation the two-way valve 645 allows the regenerated dialysate to enter dialyzer to enable normal hemodialysis of the patient's blood. In another mode of operation, the two-way valve 645 is actuated to direct fluid flow of ultra pure infusate grade dialysis fluid into the venous blood line and directly to patient. Accordingly, the versatile valves enable the mode of operation to switch between hemofiltration and hemodialysis. For example, in hemofiltration shown in FIG. 6 d infusible grade fluid is routed through the three valves directly into the blood stream where valve 646 connects to the post dialyzer. In this mode valve 645 prevents the dialysate fluid from entering the lower port of the dialyzer. In hemodialysis, shown in FIG. 6,c valve 646 is closed and valves 647 and 645 route dialysate fluid to the dialyzer.

It should be noted that while the embodiments of FIGS. 6 c and 6 e represent two different flow control concepts. While the embodiment of FIG. 6 c uses pump swapping and a plurality of valves to control fluid volume, the embodiment of FIG. 6 e uses flow sensors 630 and 646 to control fluid volume.

The use of a manifold for fluidic circuit of a hemodialysis system enables the dialysis unit (portable artificial kidney, or PAK) to be modular and portable, with improved functionality. The manifold can be manufactured as a separate unit that can be easily installed into the dialysis unit. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment where the blood and dialysate circuits are fully disposable, and are prepackaged in a kit 700. The kit includes the dialyzer 701, manifold 702, tubing 703, valves 704 (as part of the manifold), reservoir bag 705, and other disposable components.

FIG. 8 illustrates the manifold as installed in the dialysis machine. Referring to FIG. 8, the dialysis machine 801 has a front door 803 which can be widely opened to install the disposable components. For installation, the manifold 804 simply needs to be inserted in the space provided for the purpose in the dialysis unit 801. Installing the dialyzer 802 also involves a simple insertion in a designated recess. The front door 803 is provided with pump shoes that makes loading of disposable components very easy, as no pump tubing needs to be thread between roller and shoes. Further, this arrangement allows installing the dialyzer 802 and the manifold 804 in a manner that ensures proper alignment against non-disposable components such as pressure readers, sensors, and other components. This packaged, simple approach enables easy disposables loading and cleaning of the system. It also ensures that the flow circuitry is properly configured and ready for use.

While there has been illustrated and described what is at present considered to be a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the central scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that this invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A manifold for a blood purification system, the manifold comprising: a first fluid conducting segment wherein said first fluid conducting segment comprises a rigid plastic substrate, wherein said first fluid conducting segment comprises a first portion of a first flow path, and wherein said first fluid conducting segment comprises a first port located at an edge of the first fluid conducting segment; a second fluid conducting segment parallel to said first fluid conducting segment wherein said second fluid conducting segment comprises a rigid plastic substrate, wherein said second fluid conducting segment comprises a second portion of the first flow path, wherein said second fluid conducting segment comprises a second port located at an edge of the second fluid conducting segment, and wherein said first and second ports are positioned opposite each other; a connecting fluid conducting segment that is perpendicular to, and separates, the first and second fluid conducting segments; and a flexible tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of the tube is attached to said first port, wherein said second end of the tube is attached to said second port, wherein said tube serves to connect said first portion of the first flow path to said second portion of the first flow path, and wherein the connecting fluid conducting segment is a parallel to said flexible tube.
 2. The manifold of claim 1, wherein said manifold is disposable.
 3. The manifold of claim 1, wherein each of said first fluid conducting segment, second fluid conducting segment, and connecting fluid conducting segments comprise external edges that define a boundary bounding a space.
 4. The manifold of claim 1 further comprising at least one valve component fixedly attached to at least one of said first fluid conducting segment, second fluid conducting segment, or connecting fluid conducting segments for directing fluid flow through the first flow path, a second flow path, or a third flow path.
 5. The manifold of claim 1 further comprising at least one sensor component fixedly attached to at least one of said first fluid conducting segment, second fluid conducting segment, or connecting fluid conducting segments for measuring a fluid characteristic in at least one of the first flow path, a second flow path, or a third flow path.
 6. The manifold of claim 5, wherein said fluid characteristic is at least one of temperature or pressure.
 7. The manifold of claim 4, wherein activation of said valve component directs fluid flow through one of two separate fluid paths.
 8. The manifold of claim 7, wherein said activation of the valve component is dependent upon a mode of operation of the blood purification system.
 9. The manifold of claim 8, wherein said mode of operation is selected from the class comprising hemodialysis and hemofiltration.
 10. A dialysis machine comprising a manifold as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a door with a pressure plate positioned on an interior face of the door; a housing with a panel wherein said housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive said interior face of said door; and an alignment mechanism fixedly attached to said panel, wherein said alignment mechanism detachably receives the manifold on said panel and positions said manifold against said pressure plate when the door is placed in said recessed region.
 11. The dialysis machine of claim 10 wherein said alignment mechanism is at least one of contoured guides, pins, or latch.
 12. The manifold of claim 1 wherein the first fluid conducting segment comprises a first portion of a second flow path and a third port located at an edge of the first fluid conducting segment.
 13. The manifold of claim 12 wherein the second fluid conducting segment comprises a second portion of a second flow path and a fourth port located at an edge of the second fluid conducting segment, wherein said third and fourth ports are parallel to the connecting fluid conducting segment and are positioned opposite each other.
 14. The manifold of claim 13 further comprising a second flexible tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of the second tube is attached to said third port, wherein said second end of the second tube is attached to said fourth port, and wherein said second tube serves to connect said first portion of the second flow path to said second portion of the second flow path.
 15. The manifold of claim 14 wherein the first fluid conducting segment comprises a first portion of a third flow path and a fifth port located at an edge of the first fluid conducting segment.
 16. The manifold of claim 15 wherein the second fluid conducting segment comprises a second portion of a third flow path and a sixth port located at an edge of the second fluid conducting segment, wherein said fifth and sixth ports are parallel to the connecting fluid conducting segment and are positioned opposite each other.
 17. The manifold of claim 16 further comprising a third flexible tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of the third tube is attached to said fifth port, wherein said second end of the third tube is attached to said sixth port, and wherein said third tube serves to connect said first portion of the third flow path to said second portion of the third flow path.
 18. The manifold of claim 17 wherein the first fluid conducting segment comprises a first portion of a fourth flow path and a seventh port located at an edge of the first fluid conducting segment.
 19. The manifold of claim 18 wherein the second fluid conducting segment comprises a second portion of a fourth flow path and a eighth port located at an edge of the second fluid conducting segment, wherein said seventh and eighth ports are parallel to the connecting fluid conducting segment and are positioned opposite each other.
 20. The manifold of claim 19 further comprising a fourth flexible tube having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end of the fourth tube is attached to said seventh port, wherein said second end of the fourth tube is attached to said eighth port, and wherein said fourth tube serves to connect said first portion of the fourth flow path to said second portion of the fourth flow path.
 21. The manifold of claim 20 wherein each of said first, second, third, and fourth flow paths are isolated from each other. 